Best Gold Stocks to Buy in 2023

The gold market is a complex and ever-changing landscape, influenced by a multitude of factors that contribute to its dynamic shifts. Economic conditions, both on a global and regional scale, play a significant role in shaping gold prices. Changes in interest rates, inflation rates, and currency values can have profound effects on the demand and supply dynamics of gold. Moreover, geopolitical tensions and uncertainties can create sudden surges in gold prices as investors seek safe-haven assets during times of instability. In this article, we present the top 5 gold stocks for 2023 that offer compelling investment opportunities. Each of these gold stocks holds the potential for significant gains, providing a diverse array of options to suit various investment strategies.

This is a great way to get exposure to gold if you don't want to have a physical gold investment. Also make sure to check out the top Junior gold mining stocks as another option.

What are the Top Gold Stocks to Buy in 2023?

Franco-Nevada Corp. (FNV)

Franco-Nevada stands as a prominent gold-focused royalty and streaming company with a diversified portfolio of assets. As of 2023, the company does not operate mines or conduct exploration but provides essential funds to mining projects in exchange for a fixed percentage of the generated revenue or physical metal output. Although Franco-Nevada reported an 18.4% decline in revenue in the first quarter of 2023, operations at key mines like Cobre Panamá and Antapaccay are now running at full capacity, instilling confidence in its performance. The absence of debt and the availability of $2.2 billion in capital further strengthen Franco-Nevada's position, making it an attractive option for investors seeking stable returns. However, a forward-earnings multiple of 42.3 suggests limited near-term valuation upside, and the company remains exposed to fluctuations in oil and gas prices.

Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM)

As one of the largest gold miners globally, Agnico Eagle Mines operates mines in Canada, Mexico, Finland, and Australia. The company witnessed a boost in production numbers due to its merger with Kirkland Lake Gold in February 2022. With a 3.15% dividend and an 11% year-over-year increase in adjusted net income, Agnico Eagle Mines appeals to income-oriented investors. However, it should be noted that Agnico Eagle Mines may be more susceptible to downside risks in gold prices compared to its lower-cost peers. While its operating expenses increased significantly in 2022, Agnico Eagle Mines' strategic mining locations in geopolitically stable regions provide an added advantage.

Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM)

Wheaton Precious Metals stands as one of the world's largest precious metals streaming companies, boasting agreements with 21 operating mines and 13 development-stage projects. The company reported substantial revenue, operating cash flow, and net income in the first quarter of 2023. Moreover, Wheaton's asset portfolio has over 30 years of mine life remaining, indicating long-term stability and growth potential. While it offers a strong production growth outlook and high-quality assets with low production costs, Wheaton Precious Metals also faces concentration risk due to its reliance on specific mines like Salobo, Constancia, and Blackwater. Notably, revenue and net income experienced a 30% drop year-over-year in the first quarter of 2023.

Royal Gold (RGLD)

With a focus on acquiring and managing precious metals royalties and metal streams, Royal Gold operates primarily in projects already in production or under development. The company relies on gold, copper, and silver streams, and it demonstrated strong financials in the first quarter of 2023 with increased revenue and operating cash flow. Royal Gold's opportunities for significant production growth and a valuable asset portfolio with long reserve life and minimal geopolitical risks make it an appealing option for investors. However, the company's net income dropped in 2022, and production was impacted by water shortages at the Mount Milligan mine. While Royal Gold boasts a stable financial position and opportunistically adds streaming deals, the stock's valuation should be carefully assessed.

Lundin Gold (LUG.TO)

Formerly known as Fortress Minerals Corp., Lundin Gold is a Canadian mining company with significant material concessions in southeast Ecuador. The company's flagship asset, the Fruta del Norte gold mine, has been in commercial operation since February 2020. Lundin Gold demonstrated impressive momentum in early 2023, witnessing an all-time high in gold production and an almost 19% year-over-year increase in revenue in the first quarter. The company produced 476,329 ounces of gold in 2022, benefiting from a low cash operating cost. However, it's essential to note that Lundin Gold trades at a higher valuation compared to its peers, and its recent debt reduction initiatives may impact its cash balance.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Gold Stocks

To identify the top gold stocks for 2023, specific criteria were employed to ensure the selection of high-quality investments:

Consensus Analyst Recommendation: Each chosen gold stock holds a consensus "buy" or better rating among analysts. This collective endorsement indicates expectations of outperformance compared to the overall market.

Market Capitalization: Only gold stocks with a market capitalization of at least $2 billion were considered. This threshold filters out small and microcap stocks, which tend to be more volatile and risky.

Dividend Payment: The selected gold stocks all pay dividends, making them attractive to income-oriented investors. Dividends not only provide a source of income but also signify a healthy underlying business.

Trading Volume: To ensure sufficient liquidity, stocks with an average daily trading volume of at least 50,000 shares and an average daily value trading of at least $1 million were included.

Altimeter Risk Level: The Altimeter risk grade, which considers credit ratings, management sentiment, and financial health, was used to assess the financial risk of each stock. Only stocks with an Altimeter risk level of A or B made the cut.

Lower P/E Ratio: A lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compared to larger peers was sought. A positive P/E ratio indicates that the company is generating strong earnings relative to its valuation.

Understanding the Gold Market in 2023

The gold market has experienced dynamic shifts in recent years, influenced by economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, and market sentiment. As we step into the year 2023, investors must be vigilant in monitoring the market sentiment surrounding gold. Sentiment-driven fluctuations can be driven by various factors, including news events, economic indicators, and shifts in investor risk appetite. Social and political developments, such as elections or geopolitical conflicts, can also trigger sudden market reactions, influencing gold prices.

Additionally, global economic growth and industrial demand can impact the demand for gold, especially in sectors like jewelry and electronics. The interplay of these variables makes it essential for investors to keep a close eye on the economic indicators and trends that affect the gold market.

Another way to gain exposure to gold is by investing in a gold mutual fund. These funds are the sum of many different companies put together in a single fund, and I outline them all on the aforementioned page.

More Content on Gold Stocks

Final Verdict

As gold prices rise amidst ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties, investing in gold stocks provides an opportunity for exposure to potential price gains. By understanding the dynamics of the gold market in 2023 and adhering to the specified criteria, investors can confidently explore the top 5 gold stocks, each offering unique opportunities for potential gains. As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, these carefully selected gold stocks present a promising path for investors seeking to capitalize on the precious metal's allure in the coming year.

FAQs

Q : Why are dividends important in gold stock investments?

A : Dividends provide a source of income for investors and reflect a healthy and stable underlying business.

Q : How does the Altimeter risk level affect gold stock selection?

A : A lower Altimeter risk level (A or B) reduces the chances of significant downside, making it a desirable criterion in stock screening.

Q : Why consider the P/E ratio when selecting gold stocks?

A : A lower P/E ratio suggests that the company is generating high earnings compared to its valuation, making it a potentially undervalued investment.

About Tim Schmidt

Tim Schmidt is an Entrepreneur who has covered retirement investing since 2012. He started IRA Investing to share his expertise in using his Self-Directed IRA for alternative investments. His views on retirement investing have been highlighted in USA Today, Business Insider, Tech Times, and more. He invested with Goldco.